Top 5 Nights Out in Ottawa
What to expect and what to look out for when you hit the fabulous Canadian city of Ottawa.
Ottawa Little Theatre
This magnificent little theatre opened its doors, under the name Ottawa Drama League, back in 2013 and has lost none of its unique charm over the past century and more. In fact, throughout the whole of Canada, there is no community run theatre older than the OLT, so it can claim a historical relevance too. Owing to its prestige and culture, visitors to the city really should take in a show here, if for nothing more than to get an authentic taste of Ottawa culture and community spirit. You may even get lucky when you’re in town and they’re running your favourite play, but regardless, just make sure you take in a show here. The theatre itself is traditional in tone, as you might expect from its age, but, because directors, actors, artists, and stage crew are all volunteers, the Ottawa Little Theatre has been a crucial part of the Ottawa arts community for over a century. Plays here range from contemporary and classic, so you’re sure to find something you love.
Obsession Lounge
Obsession Lounge is a sexy cool and uber classy bar, nightclub, and designer restaurant, that can be found in Ottawa’s Industrial Park. As well as a fully serviced bar, there is world-class sound and lighting system in place designed to make the night memorable for revellers enjoying a night out. In addition, the venue boasts a delicious full dinner menu with a great deal of variety for palates of all types. From pastas, burgers, steaks, pizzas, stir fry, salmon, salads, and so much more, even the fussiest in your number will be full. Inside the chilled out Obsession Lounge, you will find classy white furniture and large VIP booths, both illuminated by bright neon lights. Finally, outside, the venue has one of the largest outdoor patios in the city, with the capacity to cater for roughly 190 guests. It features a private bar and sound system to keep the party going all night long, even in the cool Canadian outdoors.
Canadian Tire Centre
Catch a game at the CTC where local sports fans turn out to see the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Canadian Tire Centre opened in January 1996 (then known as The Palladium) and has since been used for the Senators to host their home games in the nation’s national sport. You can find this multi-purpose indoor arena in the City’s western suburb of Kanata where the capacity, just shy of 20,000, is regularly filled for music concerts and events such as the Canadian Interuniversity Sport men’s basketball championship. You cannot possibly come to Ottawa without visiting the CTC, even for the mon-sports fans among you.
Pub 101
One of Ottawa’s leading dining and entertainment establishments, Pub 101 offers an exhaustive menu of top notch food to satisfy any appetite. From flame grilled, juicy burgers, to fresh and spicy chicken tacos and the best in local gourmet poutine, the Pub 101 is a must. They even stage Man Versus food style challenges, the most notorious of which is the vicious all beef foot long Chicago dog, topped with delicious fresh ingredients. For desert, finish things off with the pub’s world famous bacon topped ice cream and wash it down with an ice cool draft Labatts. Lots of patrons come along to enjoy their favourite live sport on the big flat plasma screen TVs that line the walls here. Or, simply enjoy the atmosphere of this cosy slice of city living.
Casino du Lac-Leamy
Located in Gatineau, not more than a 10-minute drive from Parliament Hill, the Casino du Lac-Leamy offers a thrill filled evening out. Here, you and your friends can enjoy your favourite games such as poker, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, sic bo, keno craps and/or slots. In fact, there are over 1,800 slot machines here, each filled with a juicy jackpot to make your night not just fun, but profitable too. If you are planning a night visit to a casino like this, not the only one in town by any means, then it might be worth your while getting in a little online practice before you head out for the evening. Online casinos, which are easy to find in Canada, are very handy and convenient ways to really hone your skills and master your strategies before you stake those real-life chips. For new comers to casino games, online casinos and poker rooms also offer play money options, meaning you don’t need to risk any real money online if you don’t want to. However, if you’re heading out to the casino for nothing more than an enjoyable night out, please note that this casino also hosts a number of concerts and entertainment shows, in its three bars as well as a number of A class dining rooms.